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What Does Transgender Mean? What is Gender? Transgender Issues What Not to Say Transitioning Trans Symbols How to Get Support What Does Transgender Mean? Transgender individuals are people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Conversely, "cisgender" describes a person whose gender identity does align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender is also an umbrella term used to describe many different identities: non-binary, demi-gender, gender non-conforming, trans-masc or femme, transgender man, bigender, agender, and more. What is Gender? Gender is a combination of social, emotional, and cultural ideas that define how humans interact with each other. These can be broken down into two sectors: gender identity and gender expression. ​ Gender Identity Gender identity is how you perceive yourself on the gender spectrum. This can fall anywhere on the gender spectrum and is not limited to male or female. ​ Gender Expression Gender expression is how you display yourself outwardly. This can include the clothes you wear, how you style your hair, or even how you talk. You can learn more about gender identity and expression here. Transgender Issues Transgender people can face many different problems, such as transphobia, gender dysphoria, and deadnaming. Gender Dysphoria This condition, formerly known as Gender Identity Disorder, is the distress a person may feel as a result of their emotional and psychological identity not coinciding with their biological sex. One of the earliest signs of knowing one is transgender is feeling gender dysphoria. Feelings or signs of gender dysphoria are, but are not limited to: A certainty that your gender identity conflicts with your biological sex You only feel comfortable when in the gender role of your preferred identity (may include non-binary) A strong desire to hide or be rid of physical signs of your biological sex, such as breasts or body hair A strong dislike of the genitals you were born with You may feel lonely or isolated from others. You may also face pressure from friends, classmates, coworkers, or family to behave a certain way. It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience gender dysphoria to be transgender. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. Transphobia Transphobia encompasses a range of negative attitudes, feelings, or actions toward transgender people or transness in general. Transphobia can include fear, aversion, hatred, violence, anger, or discomfort felt or expressed towards people who do not conform to social gender expectations. Just like gay or lesbian individuals can deal with homophobia, transgender people can deal with transphobia daily. Transphobia can lead to depression, a greater feeling of gender dysphoria, and a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. Misgendering and Deadnaming Misgendering is using a former pronoun of a transgender or non-binary person. Deadnaming is using a transgender or non-binary person’s former name. Intentionally deadnaming or misgendering is highly inappropriate and harmful. However, in some cases, deadnaming or misgendering can be accidental. If you knew a transgender person before they discovered their gender identity, you might be used to referring to them by their old pronouns and deadname. It might be a force of habit to refer to someone by their old identity. However, it is still wrong, even if it is accidental. If you accidentally refer to a transgender person by their old identity, name, or pronouns, simply apologize and correct yourself. What Not to Say If a transgender person discovers themself, even if they have not elected to gender reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy, never refer to them as their previous gender identity. For example, someone named David goes down the road of discovery and finds out that they are transgender. David’s new name is Dalia, and they now go by she/her and Dalia only. You should never say: “Dalia was a guy before, and her name was David.” “David was born a man but turned into a girl.” “Dalia is biologically male.” It’s important to note that Dalia was never a man; she was only assigned male at birth. If you want to mention Dalia’s transition (with her permission, of course), consider saying: “Dalia was assigned male at birth, but she now identifies as female.” “Dalia is a transgender woman.” Dalia is also not a drag queen, a transvestite, a transsexual, or "a transgender." To learn about these terms and why they are inaccurate and, oftentimes, offensive, see our Outdated Trans Terms article. Avoid focusing on someone’s transition or presentation. A common term you may hear when discussing transgender people is “passing” or “stealth.” This describes someone who presents themselves in such a way that you “can’t tell” that they’re transgender. Using these terms without a transgender person’s permission is wrong for several reasons. Not only does it imply that transgender people need to physically transform in order to be valid, it also reinforces dangerous gender norms. Ultimately, it's harmful to make a transgender person feel like they are “passing as something they’re not” or “tricking” people. Transitioning Transgender people may use various medical and non-medical interventions or procedures to alter their bodies in a way that aligns with their gender identity. However, it is important to note that not all transgender people do this, and it is not required to be transgender. These interventions and procedures are part of a greater support system known as gender-affirming care (GAC). You can learn about the many different kinds of GAC, like hormone therapy and surgery, in our Gender-Affirming Care article. Transgender Symbols Transgender Gender Symbol The transgender gender symbol is a combination of the gender symbols for male and female. An alternate version also integrates the symbol for genderqueer. Transgender Flag A very prominent symbol of the transgender community, this flag was first designed by transgender woman Monica Helms in 1999 and first used in 2000 at a pride parade in Phoenix, Arizona. Blue represents boys, pink represents girls, and white represents those who are transitioning, intersex, or consider themselves as having an unidentified gender. Black Transgender Flag A symbol of the transgender community specifically made for Black trans people, this flag was designed by Raquel Willis and first used in 2015. The colors have the same meaning as the more commonly used flag, except the black is meant to symbolize the high levels of transphobia, violence, and racism directed towards Black members of the trans community, especially Black trans women. How to Get Support You always deserve support. We know that the journey to discovering one's self can be a difficult one with plenty of bumps and setbacks and crying-in-the-showers. That's perfectly normal! Just remember that there's an entire community behind you; others have been in your shoes and have felt the same fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. We get it, and we're here for you. If you need help or are struggling to find support, check out our Where To Find Support article. References NHS website. (2021, April 20). Signs. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/symptoms/ Chakraborti, N. C., & Jon Garland, J. G. (2009). Hate crime : impact, causes and responses : Chakraborti, Neil : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/hatecrimeimpactc00neil/mode/1up Leonard, J. (2019, October 9). What to know about female-to-male surgery. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326590#:%7E:text=Female%2Dto%2Dmale%20surgery%20is,known%20as%20%E2%80%9Cbottom%E2%80%9D%20surgery What is gender reassignment surgery? (2018, September 21). ISSM. https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-gender-reassignment-surgery/ What Are Appropriate Labels & Terms For Transgender People? (n.d.). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/transgender/transgender-identity-terms-and-labels GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender. (2021, March 29). GLAAD. https://www.glaad.org/reference/transgender Lopez, G. (2015, February 18). Why you should always use “transgender” instead of “transgendered.” Vox. https://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8055691/transgender-transgendered-tnr

What is Bisexuality? History Issues Symbols What is Bisexuality? Bisexuality is the attraction to two or more genders. Although bisexuality is commonly misunderstood as an attraction to "men and women," in reality, the term is far more inclusive! The Bi+ Umbrella Many sexualities are often considered subgroups of bisexuality. That's why we refer to bisexuality as an "umbrella term." Sexualities that fall under the umbrella include: Pansexuality - Attraction all gender, or attraction regardless of gender Omnisexuality - Attraction to all genders Polysexuality - Attraction to multiple genders While these may sound confusingly similar to bisexuality, it’s important to remember that the term(s) a person chooses to use is something personal to them, and that no one term is more valid than the other. Ultimately, all of these terms signify attraction to more than one gender. To learn more about these various identities in-depth, check out our Bi+ Umbrella post. Bisexual History Bisexuality has been documented in humans—and animals!—throughout history. In 1859, the word bisexual was first used, and its original meaning had nothing to do with sexual orientation. Anatomist Robert Bentley Todd was the first to use the word in its original definition: someone with male and female sex characteristics, which we now know as intersex. It wasn’t until 1892 that the modern use of the word was found in the book Psychopathia Sexualis. Of course, bisexuality didn’t just pop up when the term was first coined. Forms of bisexuality have been apparent across cultures throughout history. In both ancient Japanese and Greek culture, there were several contexts where relationships between men were not only encouraged but expected. The admittedly problematic ideal was for a young man to be mentored and trained by an older man, eventually leading to a relationship. This bond and wisdom would be lifelong, but the relationship would eventually end when the young man found a wife later on. People who experienced attraction to more than one gender typically didn’t label themselves, primarily because there was no word to describe this specific experience. Ancient texts didn’t differentiate bisexuality from homosexuality. In Western culture, bisexuality was just as condemned as homosexuality. The before-mentioned book, Psychopathia Sexualis, was one of the first works on homosexuality/bisexuality in men. It concluded that these were "mental disorders" caused by degenerate heredity. The U.S. treated bisexuality as a disorder until the declassification of homosexuality as a disorder in the 1970s. Treatment for this “disorder” would include castration, shock therapy, and other means to make patients heterosexual. One influential researcher was biologist Alfred Kinsley. Kinsley was the first to create a scale that measured the nuance of sexuality. The self-named Kinsley scale categorized sexuality from the numbers 0-6, 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual. He found that a large group of people experienced a mix of both types of attraction. He also criticized other researchers for believing you can only be straight or gay. His research was immense towards the recognition of nuanced sexuality. Unfortunately, much of history is doused in misogynistic and male-focused perspectives. This is the same case for bisexual history, which makes the search for female queer experiences difficult to find. Bisexual Issues Even though bisexuality has been around for a very, very long time, there are still problems bisexual people face. Misconceptions Bisexuals are really either gay or straight and just need to figure things out Bisexual women are just straight girls looking for attention Bisexual guys are just confused gay men Bisexuality is just a phase—a transition between straight and gay Bisexuals are only attracted to men and women and do not feel attracted to non-binary, transgender, or gender-non-confirming individuals Bisexuals are more likely to cheat or sleep around because they are attracted to multiple genders Bisexuals stop being bisexual once they engage romantically or sexually with someone of the opposite/a different gender Bierasure Also known as bisexual erasure or bisexual invisibility, this is the tendency to ignore, remove, falsify, or reexplain evidence of bisexuality in history, academia, news media, and other primary sources. In its most extreme form, bierasure can include the belief that bisexuality itself does not exist. According to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, the lack of acceptance towards bisexuality plagues not only straight individuals but also lesbian women and gay men. Their study found that participants often used the words “confused,” “different,” and “experimental” to describe bisexual people. Biphobia Bisexuality has historically struggled to be taken seriously in queer and heterosexual spaces. In the 1970s, there were times when The Gay Liberation Front treated bisexual people as straight, which led them to edge bi+ people out of the organization and associate them with regressive politics. While this was happening, bi people were still being prosecuted nearly the same as homosexual people and were viewed as promiscuous by the general public. While bi acceptance has progressed in the past decades, many of these ideas that invalidate bisexuality are still around. It's commonly heard from both straight and gay people that bisexuality is just a phase. Many bi+ people feel they need to prove their bisexuality for fear of not being seen as queer enough. There are concepts such as “straight passing” that increase this anxiety. Straight passing is a privilege some queer people believe bi+ people have. It’s usually referred to when a bisexual person is in a relationship with someone of the opposite gender. The term assumes it’s a positive thing to be seen as straight, but it can be the opposite. Bi+ people don’t want to hide their identities; they want to take pride in them. Invisibility or passing as straight is not something openly queer people desire. Bisexual Symbols Bisexual Flag A more common symbol of bisexuality today is the bisexual pride flag, first designed by Michael Page in 1998. It has a large magenta stripe at the top, a large blue stripe at the bottom, and a thinner lavender stripe in the middle. The original interpretation of these colors was based on the gender binary, or the assumption that bisexuals are attracted to just men and women. Today, most people interpret these colors as: Pink - Same-gender attraction Blue - Attraction to other genders Purple - Blend of both same- and other-gender attraction Some might argue that even this updated perspective is less inclusive than it should be. That's why there are no "rules" for interpreting these colors; each person can decide the meaning for themselves according to their own truth. Triangle Badges Some people who identify as bisexual use a derivative of the pink triangle, one of the first symbols of homosexuality, which were forced upon gay and lesbian individuals in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Homosexual men were required to wear an inverted pink triangle, while those who were homosexual and Jewish had to wear an inverted pink triangle overlapping a yellow triangle. When these symbols were reclaimed by some gay men in the decades that followed, some bisexual men and women began using a variation that added a blue triangle, forming purple where the two overlap. Pride Symbol The bi pride symbol consists of interlocking female, male, and infinity symbols, with a circle linking them together in the middle. References Anderson, L., File, T., Marshall, J., Mcelrath, K., & Scherer, Z. (2021, November 4). New Household Pulse Survey data reveal differences between LGBT and Non-LGBT respondents during COVID-19 pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/11/census-bureau-survey-explores-sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity.html Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences exist in attitudes toward bisexuality. Graduate School of Public Health. (2013, November 5). https://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/news/details/articleid/1568/considerable-gender-racial-and-sexuality-differences-exist-in-attitudes-toward-bisexuality. Erasure of bisexuality. GLAAD. (2014, September 21). https://www.glaad.org/bisexual/bierasure. GSS data Explorer: NORC at the University of Chicago. GSS Data Explorer | NORC at the University of Chicago. (2018). https://gssdataexplorer.norc.org/trends/Gender%20&%20Marriage?measure=sexornt. Hydzik, A., McGrath, C., & Zellner, W. (2013, November 5). Considerable gender, racial and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality. EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/461313 Jones, J. M. (2021, February 24). LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate. Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx. Oxford University. (n.d.). Bisexual Meaning. Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/bisexual. Page, M. (1999, December 5). The History of the Bi Pride Flag. Retrieved from https://web.archive.org/web/20010801185547/http://biflag.com/Activism.asp Thorpe, J. R. (2014, September 23). A Brief History Of Bisexuality, From Ancient Greece and The Kinsey Scale To Lindsay Lohan. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/articles/40282-a-brief-history-of-bisexuality-from-ancient-greece-and-the-kinsey-scale-to-lindsay-lohan United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS. Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/classification-system-in-nazi-concentration-camps Zane, Z. (2021, June 15). 6 facts you never knew about the BISEXUAL FLAG. Gay Pride - LGBT & Queer Voices. https://www.pride.com/bisexual/2015/5/15/6-facts-you-never-knew-about-bisexual-flag-yes-there-one

What Does Non-Binary Mean? History Issues Symbols What Does Non-Binary Mean? Non-binary is an umbrella term used to refer to a wide range of gender identities that do not fit into the binary of man or woman. Examples of non-binary identities are genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, gender non-conforming, and more. However, it's not uncommon for someone to identify as simply "non-binary" or even as a mix of several of these identities. Non-Binary History Non-binary identities are not unique to the 21st century. ​ While some people may claim that non-binary identities were a concept created by the current generation, a record of non-binary gender has existed since the beginning of written history, as far back as Mesopotamia. At the time, Mesopotamians referred to a third gender of people who often performed religious duties. This third gender continued to be recognized in many civilizations throughout history. We see many examples of gender non-conforming, trans, and non-binary identities in Asian culture throughout history. In our article Gender Expression in East Asian Cultures, we explore these vibrant histories. Non-Binary Issues Non-binary individuals face a variety of issues in today’s society. Among these difficulties are transphobia, misgendering, deadnaming, and gender dysphoria. Gender Dysphoria Gender dysphoria is the feeling that one’s gender identity differs from their biological sex or assigned gender. ​ Gender dysphoria may lead a non-binary or transgender person to be uncomfortable with the characteristics of their assigned gender or biological sex, including the gender roles society associates with that sex or their physical appearance and body. It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience gender dysphoria to be non-binary. Not all non-binary people experience gender dysphoria. Transphobia Transphobia is a range of negative reactions to people who do not conform to social gender norms and expectations, such as people who are non-binary.​ Transphobia can result in non-binary and transgender individuals experiencing a lack of acceptance and violence from those around them. As such, non-binary individuals facing transphobia may suffer from both physical and emotional harm simply because they fall outside of society’s expectations. Misgendering and Deadnaming Misgendering is using a former pronoun of a transgender or non-binary person. Deadnaming is using a transgender or non-binary person’s former name. Intentionally deadnaming or misgendering is highly inappropriate and harmful. However, in some cases, deadnaming or misgendering can be accidental. If you knew a transgender person before they discovered their gender identity, you might be used to referring to them by their old pronouns and deadname. It might be a force of habit to refer to someone by their old identity. However, it is still wrong, even if it is accidental. If you accidentally refer to a transgender person by their old identity, name, or pronouns, simply apologize and correct yourself. ​ Non-Binary Symbols Genderqueer Flag The genderqueer flag, featuring lavender, white, and chartreuse stripes, was designed by Marilyn Roxie in 2011. Lavender - Represents androgyny and queerness White - Represents people who identify as having no gender or are agender Chartreuse - Represents identities outside of the gender binary. Non-Binary Flag The non-binary flag was created in 2014 by Kye Rowan. Yellow - Represents something as its own and, therefore, those who identify outside of the gender binary White - Represents multigender identities, as it is made of all other colors mixed together Purple - Represents people who identify as a mix of the male and female genders Black - Represents people who identify as agender, as black is the absence of color.

Initial Outbreak Transmission Health Repercussions Public Reaction Current Overview Initial Outbreak In June of 1981, the CDC began reporting on unusual cases of pneumonia and cancer in gay men in Los Angeles. The first known display of AIDS was on June 5th, 1981, when the CDC published an article discussing a rare lung infection that was found in 5 young gay men who were previously healthy. Over the next few days, there was an influx of opportunistic illnesses with no obvious origins. By the end of the year, 337 cases had been reported of the mysterious immune deficiency behind these infections, with upwards of 90% of infections found in males whose sexual identity was gay. 130, or around 40%, of patients, were dead by December 31st. This disorder, which would later be named AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Transmission The virus can be transmitted or "caught" by anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, but it is most common among gay men. HIV, the precursor to AIDS, is transmitted through blood, vaginal fluid, semen, or breast milk. Check out our comprehensive article on HIV/AIDS, which includes treatment and prevention. Due to a lack of sexual education and resources for the LGBTQ+ community at the time, many men did not use condoms or take precautionary steps, such as getting tested, before engaging in sex, which allowed the virus to spread rapidly through the community without any resistance. Because of this and its prominent effect on the LBGTQ+ community (and the generally homophobic atmosphere of the early 1980s), the public was reluctant to endorse funding and research for the epidemic, coining the term "gay cancer" within a month of the first reported case. HIV would go on to infect 8-10 million people over the next decade. Health Repercussions At the start of the AIDS crisis, there were no treatments or medications available to help individuals once they contracted HIV. Left untreated, the virus would often develop into AIDS once the number of CD4 cells reached a minimum threshold, which resulted in a severe weakening of one's immune system. Because of this, many infected parties caught other opportunistic illnesses, leading them to lethal infections of pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and many more. With AIDS, their immune system was unable to fight off these infections, ultimately leading to death for many. Public Reaction Gay men were the main driving force responding to the AIDS epidemic and working for change and answers to the novel virus. The rest of the public had virtually no response as their communities weren't being as greatly affected, and the views towards the gay community were very controversial. Michael Callen and Richard Berkowitz were two gay men who advocated for sexual education during the epidemic. They published a piece of work explaining the importance of gay men using condoms during sex to prevent the spread of HIV. At the time, people still believed that HIV was restricted to white gay men. However, this was not the case, as the virus could infect anybody. Therefore, activists began emphasizing condom use for people of color and lesbians during their later campaigns. While local communities took initiative against the virus, the federal government was not as active. At the beginning of the crisis, they provided very little funding for research about the virus or preventative measures for affected communities. Additionally, many people felt as though the government took too broad of a stance on fighting the virus, focusing their campaigns on "all" for every member of the public rather than honing in on the communities that were being disproportionately affected. The lack of response gave the virus ample time to spread at an unprecedented pace and affect thousands of people, mostly gay men. Current Overview To date, 770,000 people have died from AIDS since 1981. In 2019, 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide—there were 1.2 million in the US alone. However, the flood of support for the LGBTQ+ community within the past two decades has allowed for major developments in HIV/AIDS research. Today, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives if they seek treatment and will likely never develop AIDS. References Content Source: HIV.govDate last updated: May 01, 2019. (2021, April 8). Other health issues of special concern for people living with HIV. HIV.gov. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/staying-in-hiv-care/other-related-health-issues/other-health-issues-of-special-concern-for-people-living-with-hiv. Fayyad, A. (2019, July 22). The LGBTQ Health Clinic that faced a dark truth about the AIDS crisis. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/07/us-aids-policy-lingering-epidemic/594445/. Magazine, S. (2013, December 4). The confusing and at-times counterproductive 1980s response to the AIDS epidemic. Smithsonian.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-confusing-and-at-times-counterproductive-1980s-response-to-the-aids-epidemic-180948611/. A timeline of HIV and AIDS. HIV.gov. (2021, September 7). https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/history/hiv-and-aids-timeline.

"Homosexuality" as a Modern Term Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Introduction of Christianity Incomplete Picture of Ancient Sources “Homosexuality” as a Modern Term Both “homosexual” and “homosexuality” are modern terms that were created in the late nineteenth century concerning the study of abnormal psychology. The way we categorize sexualities and make distinctions now is different from ancient times. Some scholars would argue that since people in ancient Europe classified sexual behaviors or identities not by the gender of the participants but by the sexual role each played, the term “homosexual” doesn’t fit. However, it is the term that will be used here for simplicity and clarity. Just understand that what we usually associate with the term in modern-day doesn’t necessarily apply to ancient Europe. Homosexuality in Ancient Greece Homosexuality has existed throughout history, although differently than in the modern day. One of the most well-known examples of ancient homosexuality is in Ancient Greece. The most common and well-recorded form of homosexuality was the relationship between two upper-class males: one youth and one adult. This became an institutionalized practice in many regions of Ancient Greece called pederasty. When a boy reached the age of twelve or so, he became the erotic companion of a young man. For Spartans, this focused on the military training of the boys. For Athenians, the purpose was more for intellectual, character, and athletic training. There were also sexual aspects involved in this relationship. When the boys reached adulthood and became citizens, this relationship ended, and they took a boy of their own. When they finished training at around age thirty, the man would then marry a young woman, usually eighteen. At the time, marriage was less a romantic practice and more an institutional one. According to the practice, homosexual relations were supposed to end after marriage. However, this wasn’t always followed, and men often continued visiting male prostitutes and brothels or even taking a new “eromenos'' to train. Eromenos is the ancient Greek word for the young boy in this partnership. Homosexual relationships between two male citizen adults were discouraged and less recorded. This is because of social status and Greek ideals of beauty. The “passive” role in a relationship was only socially acceptable for the non-citizen: youth, slaves, and females. A similar pederasty system might have also existed for women, with the writing of Sapphos being the main source of recorded information of this. However, since mainstream society and culture placed men as most important, most of the surviving texts and arts are male-centric. Therefore, not much is known about ancient female homosexuality. Homosexuality in Ancient Rome Homosexuality was different for Romans as there was no institutional practice. Like Sparta, Rome was highly militarized. At first, the concern of homosexual relations was only about status and power. Like the Greeks, homosexual relationships were only acceptable between men of different social statuses, so free men could only be with slaves, former slaves, prostitutes, or young men. However, the most common relationship was with slaves rather than with young boys. This “relationship” was often more about conquering and gaining power over a person than it was about mentorship and was often non-consensual. Introduction of Christianity to Ancient Rome The Christian takeover of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century criminalized and demonized all homosexuality. This began when the emperor Constantine used Christianity as his basis for ruling. The first enactment of the death penalty for sodomy was in 342 AD. After his death, the next emperor, Valentinian, divided Rome into East and West. In 476 AD, the West was overthrown and signaled the fall of Rome. However, Eastern Rome, or Byzantine, went on to survive for centuries after. In 533 AD, homosexuality became outlawed in Eastern Rome by the Justinian Code. The emperor, Justinian, then castrated those found guilty of homosexuality. The law was to punish those guilty by death, but that was rarely carried out. The Incomplete Picture of Ancient Sources What we know about ancient homosexuality in Europe is largely based on texts written by older, upper-class male perspectives. Therefore, we largely lack the voice of women, younger men, slaves, etc. It’s also important to remember that an ancient period text does not represent the entire period’s feelings of a given subject, but the feelings of one particular writer, shaped by things like their upbringing. We can see this in our modern-day too. So, overall what we do know about ancient European homosexuality is very broad and missing certain perspectives. People of all different sexualities and genders exist throughout all of history and in all places. References Dynes, W. R., & Donaldson, S. (1992). Homosexuality in the Ancient World. Garland. Karras, R. M. (2012). Sexuality in Medieval Europe: doing unto others. Routledge. Zive, G. A Brief History of Western Homosexuality. California State University, Stanislaus.

The Church and Gay Sex Laws on Homosexuality Female Homosexuality Medieval Homosexuality Sources Medieval times, also called the Middle Ages, describe the period after the fall of the Western Roman Empire (around 500 CE) and before the Renaissance (1500s). Since there was no unified government or state, the Catholic church became the main source of authority in Europe. Later, homosexuality was largely viewed and upheld by society as a sin. The Medieval Church and Sex The connection between sexual deviancy and homosexuality by the church wasn’t really pushed until the later, or “High”, Middle Ages. Individual cases of homosexuality were often overlooked in day-to-day life in the earlier Middle Ages. The distinction was not really between gay and straight but between reproductive and non-reproductive sex. The medieval church only sanctified exclusive and procreative marriages, meaning “opposite-sex” activity that was not for reproduction, was also not considered acceptable. However, as the church began facing criticism from scholars, they became increasingly concerned with preventing scandals that could diminish their authority. There was the theologian Peter Damian, who coined the term “sodomy” in the 1000s in relation to clerical homosexual relationships. (However, this term was used for any non-procreative sexual acts.) He wrote an entire book addressed to Pope Leo IX about the “corruptions” (including homosexual relations) within the church and monastery, calling for a reformation. Pope Leo IX responded by promising action against those who committed “crimes against nature.” Another theologian, Thomas Aquinas, also used the discourse of “nature” to cast any non-reproductive sex as sinful. So, the church eventually began targeting homosexuality and enforcing stricter discipline in monasteries. Medieval Laws on Homosexual Relations These reform movements led to the development of specific laws towards homosexuality, therefore expressing “authoritative” views toward it. There was a large increase in municipal (city) laws regarding homosexuality. The actual prosecution of same-sex activity often wasn’t in royal or ecclesiastical (church) courts but in urban cities. Many towns, especially in Italy, legislated about homosexual acts. These called for various punishments, including maiming, death, fines, or exile. The cities of Lucca, Venice, and Florence even created special legal structures in the 1400s to manage sodomy accusations. Still, there weren’t many actual prosecutions for same-sex activity. Medieval Female Homosexuality There is even less recorded evidence of female homosexuality in Medieval Europe than in Ancient Europe. Some historians theorize that this is because their homosexuality did not prevent them from bearing children to legal husbands and also because of the general misogyny of the times. Medieval Homosexuality Sources It’s important to note that we don’t have many surviving sources to reconstruct the experience of medieval homosexuals. Homosexual images in medieval texts and artifacts are few and far between. Most texts dealing with homosexuality are related to clerics and/or are found in homophobic contexts, often in the form of legislation. Therefore, what little we know about homosexuality in the Middle Ages is very broad and often with a negative connotation. References Cheng, D. (2017) Homosexuality in High Medieval Europe: Reformist Thought and its Effect on Queer Subculture, JUST, Vol. V, No. 1. https://ojs.trentu.ca › ojs › just › article › view Damien, P. (1982). Book of Gomorrah: An Eleventh-Century Treatise Against Clerical Homosexual Practices. (P. Payer, Trans. And Intro.). (Original work published 1051.) https://books.google.com/books?id=hr4VAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false Karras, R. M. (2012). Sexuality in Medieval Europe: doing unto others. Routledge. Karras, R.M. (2020) The Regulation of “Sodomy” in the Latin East and West, Journal of The Medieval Academy of America: Speculum: Vol. 95: Iss. 4. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/710639 Lacopo, F.P. (2016) Medieval Europe and the Culture of Contempt in the Age of the Lateran Councils, Grand Valley Journal of History: Vol. 4: No. 2, Article 1. https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gvjh/vol4/iss2/1

Introduction China is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a history spanning more than 5,000 years. So why is it that you don’t hear much about homosexuality and queer relationships in China? Part of that has to do with the culture of ancient China and Western influences that erased the history of gay people. Similar to the rest of the world, gay people have always existed—the difference is how societies dealt with their queer history. So let’s talk about the queer history of ancient China! Records of Homosexuality Similar to homosexuality in ancient Greece, same-sex rituals and activities occurred in China between men of different socioeconomic classes. It was not looked at the same way our modern world perceives sexuality. It was part of the culture but not widely discussed. One Western chronicler, Galeote Pereira, recorded instances of prostitution in Beijing where young men were bought and taught the art of dance, music, and other skills related to being a host, similar to geishas in Japan. Due to China being very patriarchal, records were essentially all written by men for men, so records of same-sex relationships between women were scarce, if not non-existent. Factors of Same-Sex Relationships When it came to the power balance of same-sex relationships between men, the hierarchy was dictated by three different factors: gender, age, and status. Women were already seen as socially inferior to men at this time, so when relationships occurred between two men, other factors such as age and status determined the roles in both a sexual encounter and social encounter. It was not always a romantic relationship—there were instances of political marriage. What is a "Cut Sleeve?" The term “cut-sleeve,” or duàn xiù, was coined by historians based on the story of the late Emperor Ai of the Han Dynasty. The story goes that Emperor Ai had a lover named Don Xian. One afternoon, in order to not disturb the sleeping lover on his arm, Emperor Ai cut off the sleeve from his robe. Thereafter the term “cut-sleeve” was used by historians as a euphemism for men loving men. The term 斷袖之癖 (duàn xiù zhī pǐ) translates to “the passion of the cut sleeve.” Being Gay in Modern China Despite the somewhat cute story behind the term “cut-sleeve,” having one of the largest dating apps geared towards gay and bisexual men, and claiming to support same-sex rights at the UN, China is still a difficult place to live for LGBTQ individuals. While there are organizations and cities known to be LGBTQ-friendly, there is still a stigma around the topic of queer people in China. Even with the younger generation being more accepting, advocates in China still face obstacles from the government and older generations, so the fight for the queer community in China is still ongoing. But, one last reminder for everyone: there have been and always will be queer people in China, changing the world one separated sleeve at a time. References Daily JSTOR. (2020, June 10). In Han Dynasty China, Bisexuality Was the Norm. Deck, A., & Yang, W. (2021, August 27). To survive, China's biggest gay dating app became a pharmacy. Rest of World. https://restofworld.org/2021/china-bluecity-healthcare-dating-apps/ Hinsch, B. (1990). Passions of the Cut Sleeve: The Male Homosexual Tradition in China. University of California Press. https://www.amazon.com/Passions-Cut-Sleeve-Bret-Hinsch/dp/0520078691

Homosexuality in Latin America The Pre-Colonial Period The Colonial Period The Post-Colonial Period Conclusion One thing about history is it is tainted by those who rule. The mix of influences that create history is told from the leading perspective, sometimes missing important individuals, groups, or events. One group that has been significantly underrepresented in Latin American history is that of the LGBTQ+ community. In particular, this article will explore the history of gay individuals and perceptions of them throughout Latin America’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods. The Pre-Colonial Period As for the public’s perception, ancient Latin America is relatively accepting of homosexual relationships. Certain tribes used non-binary social structures and did not have strict gender roles like those we see today. (Check out our article for more information on perceptions on homosexuality in pre-colonial America). Of course, that does not mean that it was acceptable to be gay during this time. Still, given the existing literature of the colonial period (most of the literature available from this period is from inquisitors), it is safe to assume it was more commonplace in certain places like Mexico City, Puebla, and even Brazil. In fact, according to scholar Serge Gruzinski’s book titled Las Cenizas Del Deseo, one of the conclusions that can be made from the literature available from pre-colonial Latin America is that networks of men “who sought out other men for sexual relationships did exist in the [pre]colonial period.” The Colonial Period So, how did homophobia take hold in Latin America? According to Luiz Mott, anthropologist and sexual freedom activist, “Homophobia is a result of machismo and slavery.” Homophobic rhetoric did not begin to take hold until the Spanish Inquisition. There were a few known cases of homophobic laws passed before colonization, but most of these cases were mainly for power purposes and not against the nature of homosexuality. Laws Against Homosexuality With that being said, homophobia began to proliferate during the colonial period. In particular, one can turn to the diary of Gregorio Martin de Guijo for one of the earliest cases of homophobia. De Guijo shares a judicial case from 1658 where 123 men were accused of partaking in homosexual relationships (or as De Guijo states, “the abominable sin”). Despite laws against homosexuality, these relationships did not cease. Luiz Mott, in a study of Inquisition documents, notes that a person’s social status played a large role in the outcome of their judicial cases when they were accused of sodomy. There were multiple cases in which judges imposed more lenient penalties on individuals accused of sodomy. Robert Aldrich, who wrote Infamous Desire: Male Homosexuality in Colonial Latin America, also notes many other cases in which offenders of this law “confessed to multiple sexual partners, sometimes over a long period of time, despite the interdiction on sodomy." Despite best efforts to outlaw homosexuality, many people persisted in same-gender sex. Punishments Against Homosexuality Eventually, the laws imposed during the colonial period took hold, and homosexuality was outlawed. With this, homophobic rhetoric took hold and became widespread. Homophobic acts became far more extreme. For years, many individuals accused of committing “the sin of sodomy” were exiled or placed into forced labor. Some were even killed, such as a slave in 1678 who was whipped due to accusations of sodomy. The Post-Colonial Period The Spanish Inquisition continued, and strides in the gay rights movement were not made until the early 19th century. According to Anna Azevedo and Luiz Mott, it was at the end of the Inquisition in 1821 that homosexuality was no longer considered a criminal offense in Brazil. However, that does not mean homophobia was no longer prevalent in the world. Decriminalization does not mean legalization. It’s taken nearly 200 years to go from the decriminalization of homosexuality to the legalization of gay marriage. With that being said, there were still notable events in Latin American queer history. Gay Rights Movement One of the important firsts to note in history is the first gay candidate for public office, Jose Julio Sarria. There were also many other activists during this time, such as Sylvia Rivera, a trans, Puerto Rican activist who helped spark the Stonewall riots. She also helped to create the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries with Marsha P. Johnson. Socially, the first gay pride movement in Latin America was Argentina's Nuestro Mundo in 1967. There were also movements taking place throughout the next decade, in which Chile’s first gay group, Integracion, was created in 1977. In Mexico, the Homosexual Liberation Front was founded in 1971. Conclusion Despite the many movements made towards gaining rights for the LGBTQ+ community in Latin America, there is still much progress to be made. Even so, we must remember the history of those who came before us and how the homophobic rhetoric that claims our contemporary society came to be. The only way to decolonize the perspective many people have on homosexuality is to speak out and understand how these views came to take hold. References Aldrich, Robert. Review of Infamous Desire: Male Homosexuality in Colonial Latin America. Ethnohistory, vol. 51 no. 1, 2004, p. 216-217. Project MUSE muse.jhu.edu/article/53484. Azevedo, ​Anna, et al. “The Colonial Roots of Homophobia.” Goethe, Zeitgeister, July 2021, www.goethe.de/prj/zei/en/art/22303917.html. Foster, David William. “The Homoerotic Diaspora in Latin America.” Latin American Perspectives, vol. 29, no. 2, 2002, pp. 163–89. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3185132. Accessed 2 Jan. 2024. Fiorini, Erin. “A Brief History of the LGBTQI+ Movement in Latin America.” teleSUR English, teleSUR, 21 June 2018, www.telesurenglish.net/analysis/A-Brief-History-Of-The-LGBTQI-Movement-In-Latin-America---20180621-0014.html. Reyes, Guillermo de los. “A Brief Social Historiography of Male (Homo) Sexuality in Colonial Spanish America.” Journal of Homosexuality 51 (2006): 249 - 266. Tortorici, Z. (Ed.). (2016). Sexuality and the Unnatural in Colonial Latin America (1st ed.). University of California Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt19b9jgt.

What is Sexual Orientation? Discovering your Sexuality Sexuality Resources What is Sexual Orientation? Sexual orientation, or sexuality, is a term used to refer to a person's pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to people of a particular gender. There are a variety of sexual orientations, and it is often said that everyone falls on a spectrum of sexuality depending on how strongly they are attracted to a certain gender. Discovering Your Sexuality Sexual orientation is complicated. ​ Firstly, it isn't a choice. No one chooses to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual, just as no one chooses to be heterosexual (straight). Discovering where you fall on this spectrum is a process unique to you; each journey to discovery is different. There are all sorts of different sexualities, and it's not something that you need to decide overnight. You are allowed to experiment and find out who and what you are attracted to. Sexuality Resources We have several helpful pages where you can learn about different orientations—the basics, the history, the people, the symbols, and more! Gay Resources Lesbian Resources Bisexual Resources Asexual Resources Pansexual Resources

What is "Coming Out"? Right Time, Right People Find a Solid Support Group You Don't Need to Come Out What is "Coming Out"? “Coming Out” is the act of disclosing one’s own sexuality or gender identity to someone. Coming out is revealing your own sexuality or gender identity to someone. However, coming out is not disclosing or revealing someone else’s sexuality or gender identity. Unless that person is out of the closet already and is fine with people telling others then it is not ok to ever reveal someone else’s sexuality or gender identity. Right Time, Right People Make sure the people you come out to are accepting before coming out. If you’re worried that they might not be, always have a backup plan (especially if it’s someone you depend on, like a parent). We know it can be heartbreaking, but you must have a backup plan. If someone is not accepting of you, you must rise above their negativity and take the high road. If they become verbally and or physically abusive, then you must remove them from your life, no matter who it is. Find A Solid Support Group There are plenty of organizations and LGBTQ+ groups throughout the globe. It can be scary to get involved, but it’s rewarding in the end. PRISM prides itself on promoting a safe, welcoming environment for everyone involved on our Discord Server. Click here to join! You Don’t Need To Come Out The most important thing to remember is that if you don’t feel comfortable coming out, you don’t need to. You’re not “lying” or “fake.” It’s your business. Your business is your business. While there is a heavy glorification surrounding coming out in media and online, you do not have to tell anyone your sexuality if you do not feel comfortable. If you feel pressured by anyone or any group, then the best thing to do is refrain from including that influence in your life. References Coming out: A resource for LGBTQ students. GLSEN. (n.d.). https://www.glsen.org/activity/coming-out-resource-lgbtq-students. Coming Out Resources. HRC. (n.d.). https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out. What's "coming out"? Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sexual-orientation/sexual-orientation/whats-coming-out.

Condoms are a type of barrier method used during sex to prevent pregnancy and/or protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI). Condom Basics External Condoms Internal Condoms Condom Care Other Barrier Methods Condom Basics Condoms are typically made of latex, but those with latex allergies can opt for non-latex condoms (e.g., polyurethane condoms). Remember that size matters. Condoms come in different shapes and sizes so it's important to find the one that fits you. If the condom is too big, it can slip off; if it's too small, it can tear. Measure both the length and circumference before consulting the size chart of your favorite condom brand. ALWAYS use lube. While most condoms come pre-lubricated, use extra lube to prevent breakage. Make sure to use water or silicone-based lube. Oil-based products will cause latex condoms to break. Some non-latex condoms can be used with oil-based lube. However, always make sure to check the directions on the condom package. Don't use more than one condom at once. "Doubling up" does not increase the effectiveness of condoms. In fact, the friction this creates can make one or both condoms more likely to break.​ NEVER reuse a condom. Condoms are not effective after use and can rupture. External Condoms External condoms are thin sleeves placed on the penis during sex. You may also want to consider using a condom on your strap-on/dildo if you use it with multiple partners. Just be careful not to use silicon-based lube with silicon toys. How to Use External Condoms Check the expiration date on the package. Expired condoms are not effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. Carefully open the package and remove the condom. Check to make sure there are no tears or defects in the condom. Place the condom on the head of the penis and pinch the air out of the tip. Unroll the condom down the shaft of the penis After sex, hold the condom at the base of the penis before pulling out Remove the condom and throw it away. Internal Condoms Internal condoms, sometimes called female condoms, are sleeves that are inserted into the vagina or anus during sex to prevent pregnancy and/or STIs. While internal condoms are less common than external condoms, they are a great way to put the receiving partner in control of their choice to use protection. The FC2 is the only internal condom approved by the FDA. How to Use Internal Condoms Check the expiration date on the package. Expired condoms are not effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs. Carefully open the package and remove the condom. Check to make sure there are no tears or defects in the condom. Squeeze the sides of the inner ring on the closed end and insert it into the vagina/anus. Use your finger to push the condom as far up as possible. Check occasionally during sex to make sure your partner's penis hasn't slipped between the condom and vagina/anus or that the outer ring of the condom hasn't entered the vagina/anus. If this happens, stop and use a new internal condom. After sex, twist the outer ring and pull the condom out of the vagina/anus Remove the condom and throw it away. Internal Condoms and Anal Sex ​ It's also possible to use an internal condom like an external condom. To do this, remove the inner ring from the internal condom and place it on the penis/dildo before inserting it. However, do not remove the ring if you're using the condom as an internal barrier method. Doing so can increase the risk that the condom will twist and break inside the anus. Condom Care To prevent damage and tearing, which in turn prevent STIs and/or unwanted pregnancies, it's important to store your condoms safely and securely. Where not to store a condom: In a wallet or pocket Loose in a bag In a car Where to store a condom: In a condom case carried in a bag In hard, sturdy cases like mint tins or gum containers On a nightstand or in a drawer Other Barrier Methods Condoms aren't the only methods of protection and prevention! Check out the articles we have on other barrier methods to learn more. Dental Dams References Condoms. Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom. Internal Condoms | Female Condoms. Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/internal-condom. Kelvin, E. A., Mantell, J. E., Candelario, N., Hoffman, S., Exner, T. M., Stackhouse, W., & Stein, Z. A. (2011). Off-label use of the female condom for anal intercourse among men in New York City. American Journal of Public Health, 101(12), 2241–2244. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2011.300260

What is Contraception? Contraception is the use of artificial methods to prevent pregnancy when engaging in sexual intercourse. Type of Contraception Contraception can be broken into five main types: Condoms Diaphragms Cervical Caps Birth Control Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Implants Sterilization You can click on any of these to find out more information. The Importance of Contraception Contraception ​can prevent unwanted pregnancies. Using contraceptive methods allows you and anyone you have sex with to determine when you have children, how many you want to have, and when to stop having children. ​ Barrier methods protect you from STIs. Barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, are extremely effective in protecting you from a host of sexually transmitted infections. ​ Learn how to talk to your partner about using contraception.